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There is no rest for the wicked as Alexei Popyrin is fresh off his Canadian Open win on Monday night and straight into action against Gael Monfils here
RANKING POINTS: ATP 1000
START DATE/TIME: Wednesday 14th August, 2024, UK – not before 6:40pm / US ET – not before 1:40pm / US PT – not before 10:40am
VENUE: Lindner Family Tennis Center, Ohio, USA
SURFACE: Outdoor hard
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / US – Tennis Channel
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Sky Go / US – Tennis Channel
TICKETS: Visit this link for the latest Gael Monfils vs Alexei Popyrin ticket information
GAEL MONFILS VS ALEXEI POPYRIN PREDICTION
Gael Monfils returns to action in Cincinnati eager to get back to winning ways after being knocked out in the first round in his last two tournaments. The 37-year-old is having a solid enough year but is always capable of pulling off an upset or producing a good performance which is what makes this an enthralling match on paper.
Alexei Popyrin was superb last week in Montreal as he beat Machac, Shelton, Dimitrov, Hurkacz, Korda and then Rublev in the final to win the title. That was unquestionably the best week of the 25-year-old’s tennis career and it was fully deserved. He reached the quarters in this tournament last year and will be keen to do well again.
Much depends on Popyrin’s physical and psychological condition coming into this match. There is every chance he will be on something of an emotional comedown after that win and this is a quick turnaround too from a chaotic rain-affected week in Montreal. That could easily impact Popyrin here and while we would normally be strong on him, caution is advised here. Popyrin should win but do not be surprised if he starts slow and this turns into a three-set battle.
GAEL MONFILS VS ALEXEI POPYRIN TIP: OVER 2.5 SETS